by Bob Jensen
I’ve never hidden my excitement about fishing in the fall. Every now and then another angler asks me why I enjoy fishing in the autumn season so much. While it is true that fishing in every season has its appeal to me, there are several reasons why, if I was limited to one season to go fishing, it would be in the autumn. I wouldn’t like that limitation, but if I was presented with that decision, there are several reasons why fall fishing is an outstanding idea. Here are some of those reasons.
Some sporting people declare that autumn is a time for hunting or football games. Fair enough, and I certainly understand why some feel that way. And that’s why fall is such a good time to go fishing. On many lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, you’ll have the water to yourself, or almost to yourself. Knowing that you’re probably the first angler to show a bait to a fish that day creates confidence, and confidence is a good thing to have when you’re fishing.
Another thought: In the spring the water is warming, and in the summer the water is warm, and warm water makes the fish bite. But while fish will bite well when the water is warming or warm, they also bite well, maybe better, in the fall, because the water is cooling off. The cooling water tells the fish that winter is coming and that they need to fatten up to sustain through the winter months. The fish put on that fat by eating. Odds are good that they’ll eat what you have attached to the end of your line if they see it.
Baitfish populations are lower in the fall than they are in the summer. Lots of baitfish have been eaten through the summer months by the bigger fish, and many of the remaining baitfish have grown to a size where they’re too big for many of the predators to eat. Fewer baitfish means that walleyes, bass, pike and crappies will be more willing to eat your lure.
Fishing in the fall doesn’t require an early morning wake-up. Catching at mid-day is often better, and I have many memories of casting for walleyes along the shoreline at or shortly after sundown. When the walleyes are in the shallows, not many can resist a Hornet crankbait or a jig/Rage Swimmer for catching them.
Some anglers say that autumn weather can be inclement and that fishing in the rain or cold is no fun. I agree. Fishing on a chilly day is no problem for me, but a chilly, rainy day at any time of the year is very low on my list of favorite things to do. At this point in my life, if chances for rain are good, I’ll probably find something else to do instead of going fishing. I’ve been at that point in my life for most of my life. However, when one of those really nice fall days arrives, if you can get away to go fishing, go! It doesn’t get much better than fishing in the fall when the weather is pleasant.
In the autumn months, the opportunity to catch a lunker is as good, probably better, than any other season. And the scenery can be spectacular. But the best reason to go fishing in the fall is just to go fishing. Before long, some of us, in some parts of the world, will be fishing through the ice, and that’s a good thing too. For now though, take advantage of the remaining days of open water fishing.
PHOTO CAPTION—Tom Ferdinandt catches walleyes like this one throughout the autumn season.
